All the Panthers had to gain against the New Orleans Saints was defending their undefeated record and taking a step closer to a first round bye.
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That didn’t stop them from continuing their pursuit of perfection.
The Panthers took the Saints first-quarter shot, and have begun answering. Benjamin Watson led in receiving with 53 yards in four catches. The final lead change came when Newton connected with Jerricho Cotchery on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 1:10 remaining.
Green Bay went in at the half way point without a point on the board and were behind by 17. “There were a couple of games earlier where runners have gotten more yards, but it has definitely improved”.
Of course, this is a Saints team that has also put up some big-time offensive numbers of its own this year and Carolina resolutely refuses to take any game for granted.
The Saints don’t have to be spectacular at defense on Sunday, and no one is asking that.
Late in the second quarter Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano was attempting an extra point and the attempt was blocked by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
Usually the ball would be called dead after the block, but a new rule introduced this year gives teams the chance to return the ball for two points. This weekend they head to New Orleans to face a 4-7 Saints team that is struggling on offense and defense.
They also are tied for second against the run (88.7 ypg), having yielded just 45 yards rushing in its last two games, the fourth stingiest mark of any National Football League team over a two-game stretch during the past 10 years. Newton didn’t see Mauti and was coasting to the goal line before Mauti hit him at the 1.
Newton, who completed 28-of-41 passes for 331 yards, drove the Panthers 75 yards in 11 plays for the game-winning score.
Newton briefly went to the locker room, but came back out to lead another scoring drive.
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But home is where Brees and the Saints have soared, a venue where he has rolled up more passing yards than the No. 2 passer on the Saints’ all-time list, Archie Manning, accumulated in all of his Saints games (21,734). He has one touchdown catch, three receptions and 67 yards.
